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Shimanami Kaido Scenic Drive & Matsuyama Onsen Experience - Private Car Full Day Tour (8 Hours)

Shimanami Sea Route

Dogo Onsen - Hot Spring

Hiroshima Soul Food - Okonomiyaki

Toyota Alphard for 3 or more Travellers

Toyota Harrier for 2 Travellers

Toyota Copen GR for Solo Travellers

Dogo Onsen - Hot Spring

Island Bridge

Shimanami Kaido Scenic Drive & Matsuyama Onsen Experience - Private Car Full Day Tour (8 Hours)

Day Trip

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2026

Kate M.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Hiroshima

English (Native), Japanese (Native)

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Kate M.)

Up to 10 people

Experience one of Japan’s most scenic coastal drives along the Shimanami Kaido, crossing 6 beautiful islands connected by iconic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, part of a region with over 3,000 islands. Enjoy stunning ocean views and quiet island towns along the way.

Continue to Matsuyama and relax at Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, said to have inspired Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli. A perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation in one day.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel

- Other options: Hiroshima Station/ Port/Airport. Your guide will pick you up in a private car at your location.

10:00 AM

Drive to Onomichi

Leave the city behind and enter a more relaxed countryside setting.

11:30 AM

Lunch in Onomichi

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Onomichi is known for its relaxed atmosphere and regional specialties such as ramen or seafood. Your guide can recommend options based on your preference.

12:30 PM

Shimanami Kaido Scenic Drive

Begin your journey across one of Japan’s most iconic coastal routes. Cross multiple islands connected by impressive bridges, with stops at scenic viewpoints for photos and short walks.

02:00 PM

Continue to Matsuyama - Ehime Prefecture

Relax as you continue through the Seto Inland Sea region toward Ehime Prefecture.

02:30 PM

Onsen Experience at Dogo Onsen (or alternative)

Unwind in one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs. Late afternoon timing helps avoid peak crowds. Alternative onsen may be selected to ensure the best experience.

04:00 PM

Walk Around Dogo Onsen Area

Take a relaxing stroll through the charming streets surrounding Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most atmospheric hot spring districts.

The area is filled with traditional wooden buildings, small shops, and local cafés, creating a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. As you walk, you’ll find souvenirs, local sweets, and places to try regional snacks, all centered around the iconic bathhouse.

The compact layout makes it easy to explore at a leisurely pace after your onsen experience. In the evening, the streets become softly lit, offering a calm and scenic atmosphere perfect for a gentle walk.

05:00 PM

Drive back to Hiroshima City Area

08:00 PM

Drop off at your hotel (or Station / Port/ Airport)

Ending Point

Drop off at your hotel (or Station / Port/ Airport)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

- Guide (Driver)

- Hotel Pick-up or Port, Airport pick-up

- Private Car Transportation (Toyota Copen GR for solo travellers, Toyota Harrier for 2, Toyota Alphard luxury minivan for 3 or more travellers.)

- Gasoline, toll and parking fees

What‘s not included

- Lunch (Around $15 USD per person)

- Onsen entrance tickets (Around $5 USD per person)

- Personal expenses

Tour Important Information

Please follow below Onsen / Bathhouse Etiquette

* Wash before entering: Shower and clean your body at the washing stations before using the bath

* No swimsuits: Baths are used fully nude (separate areas for men and women)

* Towels stay out of the bath: Do not place your towel in the water

* Tattoos: Some facilities may restrict visible tattoos (covering may be required)

* Quiet atmosphere: Keep voices low and avoid splashing

* No phones or cameras inside the bathing area

* Hair tied up: Keep long hair out of the water

* Stay hydrated and avoid bathing immediately after alcohol

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2026

Kate M.

5.00 / 5

(1 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kate M.

Hello! My name is Kate, and I’m a local guide based in Hiroshima.

I grew up in both Japan and Australia and fluent in both English and Japanese.

I offer comfortable car tours, allowing us to explore more locations at a relaxed pace, perfect for discovering both famous highlights and hidden gems.

I have a deep love for Hiroshima and its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. My goal is to share this special place with you in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

I’m also happy to fully customize your tour based on your interests, whether you’d like to focus on history, local cuisine, scenic spots, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.

I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and creating a memorable journey together!

Reviews

Miriam D.

5 / 5

Jun 11, 2026

[VIP] Hiroshima & Miyajima Private Car Full-Day Tour (2 UNESCO Sites, Easy & Efficient 8 Hours)

Jun 11, 2026

Hiroshima

7 hours

“Knowledgeable tour of Miyajima & Hiroshima”

Me, my husband and both our Mother's were guided by Kate through the beautiful Itsukushima Jinja shrine on Miyajima Island and the atomic bomb Peace Memorial Park. Kate also took us to one of her favourite Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for lunch, which was in the Okonomyaki village in the city centre, and it was delicious! (And catered to our groups dietary needs!) Kate was very responsive and collaborative with her tour plan, asking us if there was anything specific we wanted to see, or what we would prefer doing in the morning vs afternoon. While we were touring the sites, Kate had some visual aids to help her explain the history of the places. This really helped us visualise the stories. We had a lot of questions about the sites, but also general knowledge questions about Japanese culture and lifestyle, and Kate was great at answering them. By the end of the day, we had a really great vibe with her and were having good conversations. This was an English-friendly tour, and would recommend Kate to any other travellers coming to Hiroshima. Thank you so much Kate, we'll be returning to Hiroshima one day again!

Kate M.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Miriam! It was a pleasure spending the day with you and your family. I really enjoyed all of your questions and our conversations throughout the tour, and I’m glad my visual materials helped bring Hiroshima and Miyajima’s history to life. Thank you for being so interested in Japanese history and culture. I always try to tailor each tour to my guests’ interests, whether that’s history, local food, or everyday life in Japan, so I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the experience. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your trip, and I’d love to welcome you and your family back to Hiroshima someday! Kind regards, Kate